Burden of Truth Review: Desperate Measures (Season 3 Episode 4)
The Chartrand girls have gone missing sending Billy and Joanna racing against time to get them back while the flaws in the system take the spotlight on Burden of Truth Season 1 Episode 4, “Desperate Measures.”
Owen’s dealing with a potential mutiny in the form of a bunch of rogue, off-duty cops who think they make their own rules headed up by Sam Mercer.
This aspect of the hour is maddening to watch, from seeing them overrule Owen’s decisions as to the head of the department to choosing to follow a man who ultimately has not entirely paid his debt to society in the face of what he’s done.
The culmination of the passive-aggressive comments and actions leads to a standoff between Owen and Sam in the face of Sam’s not-so-thinly veiled racist statements as he stands to keep the rogue, off-duty cops from doing any damage to Kodie and her children’s case.
Owen: What I am is the man who took you down…I am the man who took your job.
You can’t help but feel a sense of rage at what Owen is subjected to and completely understand his reaction to the confrontation.
Unfortunately, the consequences lend more ammunition to Mercer’s attacks, as he files a complaint against Owen. There’s an extraordinary sense of anger and doom as you watch it all play out that elevates the story.
While Owen’s dealing with Mercer, Joanna is determined to find Kodie and try to salvage as much of her custody case as possible. Things get much more difficult as it takes a while to convince Kodie to turn herself in to maintain a chance at keeping Madison and True.
It’s when things look worst that Kodie offers some solid insight into the legal system that Joanna maintains faith in.
Kodie: It’s easy to follow the law when it isn’t trying to crush you.
Kodie’s words strike a chord and get to a stunningly frustrating point about the very systems that are in place to protect citizens.
It’s heartbreaking to see Kodie’s hopelessness and can’t help but sympathize with her plight in the face of the uphill battle she’s had to fight to keep her children.
Even as the hour wraps up, you can’t help but wonder what happens to Madison and True now that they’re in the system, and if there’s truth to Joanna’s idea that there’s more to the story that’s unfurling before their eyes.
“Desperate Measures” also adds another thread and clarity into these flashbacks we’ve seen throughout the season as we learn that Joanna’s father called Family Services on her mother.
More questions arise as that bit of information is revealed. Why did her father do it? What does Joanna remember of that time beyond those flashbacks?
There’s a distinct sense of dread as the manipulation of others in both of the big arcs throughout the hour, leaving you waiting impatiently for the next episode.
How will everything continue to build? Will we be getting answers soon?
Random Thoughts
- Taylor and Luna’s argument feels like it needs to happen. Hopefully, with everything out in the open, they’ll be able to move past it together.
- Meanwhile, Luna and Joanna’s argument feels a little sad, going beyond sibling angst. Will they be able to get past it, professionally and personally?
What did you think of this episode of Burden of Truth? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Burden of Truth airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Brianna Martinez
Brianna spends her time away from briefs, legal research, and pleadings, watching TV and writing about it. She generally has a lot of feelings about TV, which you can read about here and on Twitter.